Conditioner rolls end seals

Abstract

A paper conditioner to control image dependent curl in a copier/printer includes a reservoir for storing a quantity of liquid, a pair of rolls in contact with one another so as to define a nip, and a metering roll associated with the reservoir and one of the pair of rolls. The metering roll forms a nip with one of the pair of rolls to direct a controlled flow of liquid from the reservoir to the nip area. Seals located at opposed ends of the metering roll and the roll with which it forms a nip prevent the flow of excess liquid from the ends of the metering roll.

We claim:  
     
       1. An apparatus for adding moisture to a sheet while simultaneously controlling leakage of liquid therefrom, comprising: 
       a reservoir for storing a liquid;  
       a pair of rolls in contact with one another to define a nip therebetween;  
       a metering roll, associated with said reservoir and contacting one of said pair of rolls and forming a nip therebetween for directing a controlled flow of liquid from said reservoir to said one roll of said pair of rolls; and  
       a seal located at opposed ends of said metering roll and said one of said pair of rolls for preventing the flow of excess liquid from the ends of said metering roll and said one of said pair of rolls, wherein said seal comprises a pad contacting said metering roll and said one of said pair of rolls.  
     
     
       2. An apparatus according to claim  1 , further comprising means for holding said seals in pressing and sliding engagement with said metering roll and said one of said pair of rolls. 
     
     
       3. An apparatus according to claim  2 , further comprising means for securing said seals in place against said holding means. 
     
     
       4. An apparatus according to claim  2 , wherein said holding means removably secures said seal. 
     
     
       5. An apparatus according to claim  2 , further comprising a spring for pressing said holding means and said seal against said metering roll and said one of said pair of rolls in sealing engagement. 
     
     
       6. A printing machine of the type wherein a sheet having indica printed thereon advances through a conditioning system, said conditioning system comprising: 
       a reservoir for storing a liquid;  
       a pair of rolls in contact with one another to define a nip therebetween:  
       a metering roll associated with said reservoir and contacting one of said pair of rolls and forming a nip therebetween for directing a controlled flow of liquid from said reservoir to one roll of said pair of rolls; and  
       a seal located at opposed ends of said metering roll and said one of said pair of rolls for preventing the flow of excess liquid from the opposed ends of said metering roll and said one of said pair of rolls, wherein said seal comprises a pad contacting said metering roll and said one of said pair of rolls.  
     
     
       7. The printing machine according to claim  6 , further comprising means for holding said seals in pressing and sliding engagement with said metering roll and said one of said pair of rolls. 
     
     
       8. The printing machine according to claim  7 , further comprising means for securing said seals in place against said holding means. 
     
     
       9. The printing machine according to claim  7 , wherein said holding means removably secures said seal. 
     
     
       10. The printing machine according to claim  7 , further comprising a spring for pressing said holding means and said seal against said metering roll and said one of said pair of rolls in sealing engagement.